October 22, 2019 — The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) has selected Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Ewald Biemans and International Expeditions as its 2019 Phoenix Award winners. The Phoenix Award is SATW's highest recognition bestowed to individuals, businesses, organizations and communities who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in preserving, conserving, beautifying or protecting the historic, cultural and natural resources of an area. These tangible results enhance the economic, socio-cultural heritage, and/or environmental benefits to the destination and its value to tourism. This year's honorees were announced Monday, during the SATW Annual Convention in El Paso, Texas.“In 1969, long before the term 'eco-tourism' became a buzz-word, SATW created an award to recognize conservation and preservation efforts around the world.  Fifty years later, the Society's members continue to nominate individuals, communities, and organizations that have contributed to a quality travel experience through their conservation, preservation, beautification or environmental efforts.  SATW's Board of Directors is proud to honor this year's three outstanding winners,” said David Swanson, SATW President.

Kingsbrae Garden, St. Andrews, New Brunswick

Kingsbrae Garden sprawls over a 27 acre-estate that serves as an example of sustainability in nature and tourism as well as humanity. Originally donated to New Brunswick's seaside town of St. Andrews in the early 1990s to serve as a training-turf for budding horticulturalists, over time, the effort to create the beautiful gardens became a local community project for locals, including at-risk high school students and people who have trouble entering the workforce, offering them jobs and training for future advancement. Today Kingsbrae Garden is a major employer in St. Andrews, offering musical and cultural events, and drawing visitors from around the globe who also patronize local inns, restaurants, shops and tour providers. From its early days, the Garden is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, following a strict environmental plan. It uses compost made on-site from vegetable waste from its own cafe and from the nearby Algonquin Hotel. All maintenance is chemical-free. For more information, visit www.kingsbraegarden.com.

Ewald Biemans
Ewald Biemans has gained renown throughout the Caribbean as an eco-pioneer and environmentalist whose passion for promoting the ideals of sustainable tourism has inspired hotel and property developers throughout the islands. As owner and CEO of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba – named the Caribbean's first carbon-neutral hotel in 2018 – Biemans started setting the standard for ecological sustainability some 20 years ago by banning Styrofoam and single-use plastics. Over the years, he has spoken at UN forums, sustainability conferences and consulted with properties on how to achieve business success without sacrificing the environment while championing renewable resources, preserving nature, celebrating native culture, sourcing locally and ethically, and involving the local community. Biemans has received numerous awards, including the HSMAI/National Geographic Traveler Gold Adrian Award as a Sustainable Leader.

International Expeditions

International Expeditions is an environmental expeditionary company founded 40 years ago by Steve Cox to offer small-ship voyages and escorted journeys – has a long history of founding and funding conservation and community projects throughout the world. Their diverse activities include supporting conservation in delicate ecosystems such as the Galapagos Islands and Alabama's biodiverse Cahaba River. This Phoenix Award specifically recognizes IE's water treatment initiatives in the Peruvian Amazon as well as their community support in providing school books and supplies for Amazonian children. While a primary water Treatment Tower was completed for San Jose de Paranapura Village in 2011, the company is actively involved in providing ongoing quality assurance, maintenance and repair services, and ensuring equitable access and distribution of clean water by educating locals in four villages in a collaborative and sustainable approach for water treatment. Ultimately, IE's Conservancy team and partners are significantly improving overall health and reducing mortality. For more information, visit www.ietravel.com.

About SATW

Founded in 1955, SATW's goal is to inspire travel through responsible journalism. Its members include more than 1,000 travel writers, photographers, editors, broadcast/video/film producers, bloggers, public relations experts and hospitality industry representatives from the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.satw.org. 

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